AETAS: ORIGINAL BLACK RACE OF THE MOUNTAINOUS PART OF THE PHILIPPINES

The Aetas, Agta or Ayta are the original black race Africans that lived in scattered, isolated mountainous northern part of the Philippines on the island of Luzon before the Austronesian migration. One theory suggests that the Aeta are the descendants of the original inhabitants of the Philippines, who, contrary to their seafaring Austronesian neighbors, arrived through land bridges that linked the islands with the Asian mainland. The Aetas have shown resistance to change. Aetas had little interaction with the Spaniards as they remained in the mountains during the Spanish rule.

There are different views on the dominant character of the Aeta religion. Those who believe they are monotheistic argue that various Aeta tribes believe in a supreme being who rules over lesser spirits or deities, with the Aeta of Mt. Pinatubo worshipping “Apo Na.” The Aetas are also known to be animists; the Pinatubo Aeta believe in environmental spirits such as anito and kamana. Aeta women are known around the country as experts of the herbal medicines.

Though tradition the Aetas visual art is body scarification. The Aetas intentionally wound the skin on their back, arms, breast, legs, hands, calves and abdomen, and then they irritate the wounds with fire, lime and other means to form scars.

3 thoughts on “AETAS: ORIGINAL BLACK RACE OF THE MOUNTAINOUS PART OF THE PHILIPPINES”

We are the original people! years ago I told a Filipino co-worker about the Aetas. He said he had never heard of them and didn’t look too pleased. I could tell he didn’t want to be genetically associated with African people. A lot of Filipinos are very whitewashed and have European mindset. They are very anti-dark skin within their own race. So you can imagine how many feel about black people.

Well, I’m not surprised by his reaction and I’m sure you wasn’t either. Sooo many people of color have submitted to white supremacist brainwashing and the white supremacist must be elated at how excellent of a job they have done. It’s just amazing how successful they have been.* smdh*